Goodbye Douglas DC3 Dakota

It’s your last chance to fly in a Douglas DC3 Dakota in June, before the classic planes are removed from passenger service.

The planes have been flying since 1935 and thousands were built for World War II. However, because of the EU, they cannot accept passengers after June because of technicalities. The problem is that they do not have a locking cockpit door, and the EU has this down as a necessity.

They will still perform at airshows, but many people used to apply for the flight around the airshow, well this has to stop.

One of the operators, Air Atlantique, is unable to fit the emergency floor lighting and lockable cockpit, due to financial contraints.
The airline’s two Dakota passenger planes will complete their last European passenger flights at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 12 and 13, before being grounded on July 16.

Air Atlantique Classic Flight is based in Coventry and plans to hold a party there to say farewell to the planes on July 15.
Its just another point of the EU ruining the fun of us interested in these lovely old planes. Ironically, they have flown for over 70 years. They could easily do another 50 – 70 years with a little love and care, but no, thats been put to a stop.

Perhaps its another reason to step out of the EU. Thats another argument.

Sirs. I was flown to India in a DC3 by a devious route in jan 1946. (for a purpose still a mystery) Now an old man recently widowed my memory is still active & I have been trying to find where I might have a last viewing and maybe -touch the old girl. Is there any site within striking distance of Bedford UK where a Dak is still available? Don’t get around much anymore but – an old man’s whim!?